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State Sen. Joe McDermott Stands Up for His Right to Light.
State Sen. Joe McDermott (D-34, W. Seattle) was only one of two senators—the other being Republican Sen. Joe Zarelli (R-18, Battle Ground, Castle Rock)—to vote against legislation outlawing the sale of "novelty lighters" (kids might think they're toys and get hurt). The bill passed both chambers—it passed the House 85-8—and was forwarded to the governor yesterday.
McDermott, also the only Seattle legislator to vote 'No' on the bill, told PubliCola: "To ban the sale of certain lighters really is crossing into being a nanny state."
But he also had a sentimental reason for voting against the bill.
"The cute little pig," McDermott explained in an email with the above picture attached, "is a lighter that my partner Michael brought me from his business trip to San Francisco last fall long before I knew any such bill would be introduced this year."
McDermott, also the only Seattle legislator to vote 'No' on the bill, told PubliCola: "To ban the sale of certain lighters really is crossing into being a nanny state."
But he also had a sentimental reason for voting against the bill.
"The cute little pig," McDermott explained in an email with the above picture attached, "is a lighter that my partner Michael brought me from his business trip to San Francisco last fall long before I knew any such bill would be introduced this year."
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